Ali's Bench

Written whilst walking above Ogden Reservoir on Pendle.

Ali’s bench is a memorial to Ali Watson and invites walkers to, ‘sit a while and enjoy one of his favourite places.’ I always do.

I sit for a while on Ali's bench

And watch the browning bracken

As the scuttling clouds

Make their hurried way

I feel my tension slacken

No birdsong today as the mist hangs low

Though I spy a kestrel soaring

Whilst traipsing tendrils

Of wind torn branches

Caress the forest flooring

A Jay sweeps down to the holly bush

Where monochrome magpie poses

And the noisy meander

Of nearby water

An ode to young Ali composes

Surrounded by scarlet hawthorn crown

I shelter and simply observe

The silent dance

Of the yellowing reeds

As they arch in a perfect curve

Another month’s passed and the ewes graze on

As moor becomes concrete with hoar

But the crunch of my boots

Will be silenced awhile

As I share Ali's bench once more